July 20, 1998 Council Meeting
July 20, 1998
The regular scheduled meeting of Mayor and Council was held at Smyrna City Hall. The
meeting was called to order by presiding officer Mayor A. Max Bacon at 7:30 o'clock p.m.
All council members were present. Also present was City Administrator Howard Smith, City
Clerk Melinda Dameron, City Attorney Charles E. Camp, Fire Chief Larry Williams, Finance
Director Claudia Edgar, Public Works Director Scott Stokes, Police Representative Mike
Brown, Library Director Michael Seigler, Parks and Recreation Director Steve Ciaccio, Keep
Smyrna Beautiful Coordinator Ann Kirk, Human Resources Director Mary Ann White, City
Engineer Ken Hildebrandt, Community Development Director Robin Broyles, Community
Relations Director Maryclaire Andres and representatives of the press.
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Invocation was given by Reverend Steven Kimmel, First Baptist Church, followed by the
pledge to the flag.
Mayor Bacon recognized Mr. T. G. Rogers and read a proclamation honoring him for his 50
years of business in the City of Smyrna. Mr. Rogers was also presented a crystal jonquil. Mr.
Rogers expressed his appreciation to the city and thanked the Mayor and Council for the
proclamation and the jonquil.
Mayor Bacon recognized Rich Golick, candidate for State Representative, who encouraged the
citizens to vote in the primary tomorrow.
Councilman Hawkins made a motion to suspend the rules for the purpose of adding an item to
the Agenda. Councilman Lnenicka seconded the motion. Motion to suspend the rules was
approved 7-0.
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Mayor Bacon stated the city has been working on a proposed pay scale adjustment for some
time and tonight will vote on the plan. Mayor Bacon stated he would like to make a few
comments and stated he will then ask Howard Smith to read a letter explaining what this plan
will do to the employees. Mayor Bacon stated he felt one of the most important things an
elected official can do is to be consistent in what they tell folks. He further stated he has
always said it is important to this council to be as competitive as possible with other cities of
our size and feels that is very, very, very important. He stated he thinks it would almost be
impossible for the city to be competitive with much larger governments, such as Cobb County
which has an annual budget of over $600 million, or Fulton County with a budget of $770
million, or Gwinnett County with a budget over $700 million, when Smyrna doesn't have an
annual budget but just a little over $35 million. Mayor Bacon stated he still feels it is
important, as we compete for positions throughout this area, that we have a good package for
our employees and that is all employees - a good benefits package and a good wage packet. He
stated the city started off in their annual retreat at the end of January and the first of February
with this issue being the number one commitment with all the elected officials, with the
administration, with the department heads, and the plan to do something to improve our benefit
package for our employees and our salaries. Mayor Bacon stated last month the city approved
a proposal from The Segal Company to conduct a study on the retirement plan. He further
stated things like this just can't be changed overnight but that was their first commitment.
Mayor Bacon stated on tonight's agenda is an approval to solicit RFP's for a comprehensive
classification and pay study. He further stated this is for an outside company to come in and
look at all our wage and salary studies to see how we match up with other cities. He stated that
is the second commitment but the third and most important commitment tonight is that he is
hoping that this council will approve the proposed pay schedule that Mr. Smith will talk a little
bit about in just a minute. He stated this has a major impact on a number of our employees -
over half of our employees immediately. Mayor Bacon stated the bulk of the impact will go
toward Public Safety and will affect between 77 and 92 employees in the Police Department
and 60 employees in the Fire Department and 40 employees outside those two departments.
Mayor Bacon stated he believed that it is a good step forward to get the city back in line with
some other jurisdictions where the city has to compete. Mayor Bacon then asked Mr. Smith to
read the letter from the Director of Human Resources.
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Mr. Smith thanked the Human Resources Department for their tireless efforts in preparing this
proposal. Mr. Smith read the letter as follows:
"In our ongoing effort to improve the city's ability to recruit and retain qualified personnel in
all city departments, the Department of Human Resources has developed the attached pay
schedule. This schedule was designed to improve our competitiveness with other local pay
July 20, 1998, meeting - continued
plans recently surveyed by Human Resources. Through a detailed analysis of these plans, as
well as our current plan, we have attempted to assure that each Smyrna job classification rate of
pay is competitive with comparable counterparts. In those cases where comparable jobs do not
exist due to the uniqueness of certain Smyrna classifications, we have worked to place those
jobs in the most appropriate pay grade when compared internally with other Smyrna jobs. One
of our goals in researching this issue was to make significant improvements to job
classifications in Police and Fire. As the blue page entitled "Annualized Rate Comparison for
Public Safety Police/Fire Positions" shows on the attached information, this plan enables us to
work toward this objective. Not only do entry Police Officer and Firefighter rates increase by
17.3 % over our July 1, 1998, rates, we are proposing a new job classification entitled Police
Corporal to provide an alternate career progression opportunity for police officers who meet
standard departmental criteria. We estimate that between 12 and 15 current police officers will
be able to progress to Police Corporal in the near future. The proposed top-out for the Police
Corporal class is $43,000 or 12 % more than the July 1 Police Officer top-out. The Firefighter
II job classification, increasing by 10% at entry and 12 % at top-out is on the same pay grade as
proposed Police Corporal. For the Detective classification the entry rate increases by 10%
while the top-out increases by 12 %. In addition you will also see on the attached information
significant change in the Police and Fire supervisory classifications. Not only do the entry
rates for Police and Fire Lieutenants increase by 11.3 % the top-out rates also increase by
10.9%. The entry rate for Police and Fire Captains increases by 16.2% while the top-out
increases by 12.2 %. The entry and top-out rates for the Assistant Fire Chief classification
increases by 17.4 % and 13.5 % respectively. For the Assistant Chief of Police classification the
entry rate increases 20.7% while the top-out increases 16.7%. If Mayor and Council adopt this
proposed plan, all city employees will be brought up to the minimum of their respective new
pay grades. In addition classified, sworn Police and Fire personnel at most organizational
levels, that is Firefighters and Police Officers through Fire and Police Captains who already fall
within their proposed new pay ranges will receive a 5 % increase in pay effective retroactively
to July 1, 1998. This amount will be in addition to the annual merit increases already received
by these employees on July 1, which averaged 4 - 5 %. Please note that city employees also
receive longevity pay at the rate of $10 per year of service for years 2 - 9; $20 per year of
service for years 10 - 19; and $30 per year for years 20 +. According to our calculations the
projected annualized cost of implementing the proposed pay schedule for all city employees,
excluding Department Heads, is $373,164. This immediately impacts up to 192 city employees
financially depending on how many individuals are progressed to the new Police Corporal
classification. As the following table shows the majority of this cost applies to Police and Fire
positions. The cost is distributed as follows: Police - $197,975 - 77 to 92 positions; Fire-
$138,411 - 60 positions; and all other employees $36,778 - 40 positions initially. In addition
the proposed pay plan also provides many city employees with the opportunity for greater
earning potential than the previous plan. In contrast to the current plan which has 15 pay
grades the proposed pay plan consists of 20 pay grades. While adoption of the above pay
schedule provides a systematic start to improving our compensation plan, this is one in an on-
going series of steps planned to ensure internal equity and external competitiveness. Not only
have funds been budgeted for a classification and pay study particularly important in
determining internal equity later this fiscal year The Segal Company is currently conducting a
comprehensive study of the city's retirement plan and we expect to have recommendations back
from this by mid-September."
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Councilman Scoggins stated it was very difficult for him to understand the many, many nights
that this council stood up here and tried to figure out some way to help our employees. Not
only did this happen this year but it happens every year. He then stated he agreed that there are
some of the employees who will say this isn't enough. He then stated he would like to
commend the Mayor and Council for the many, many hours that they have stood up here and
tried to make this thing work out and he hopes that the employees understand it's not that easy.
He stated he knows Claudia knows it's not that easy to come up with all the money, but he
stated he is going to support it any way he can.
Councilman Wood stated it has been a lot of work and effort and the goal always was "let's do
the best we can in all respects of our pay and benefit program for all our employees." Mr.
Wood stated what Mr. Smith read in the proposal tonight certainly are significant numbers and
they show a strong effort to be competitive but there are other things that are going on in
addition to that. Councilman Wood stated the city has a merit program and those raises went
into effect city-wide July 1 and ranged from 4 - 5 % in most cases; the retirement study has
been mentioned and the RFP going out for the pay and classification study is in process and we
will vote on it tonight. He further stated that prior to any of this the city had already upgraded
about 12 positions including the Detention Officers, Court Clerks and several other positions
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July 20, 1998, meeting - continued
prior to this. He stated they have also built in an inflation factor in our new pay scales as we
have for the last several years. He stated they have increased those ranges in each pay scale by
the inflation rate that was about 2 % this year and 3 % the year before so the city is doing all it
can to keep those classifications and ranges in appropriate order and be competitive. We will
continue to do that and it has been mentioned that the pay and classification study will help us
identify areas where we may need reclassification or we may find other things that the city
needs to change based on the independent study by an outside organization that specializes in
this type work. Councilman Wood stated he certainly would support the proposal as presented
tonight and we will continue to work with the retirement, insurance programs and pay and
classification issues.
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Councilman Hawkins stated he will certainly support this. He stated this is not the first plan
that has been proposed and the city has been talking about this issue since April. He stated this
is the first one, he thinks, that comprises the majority of and the unanimous support of the
council. Mr. Hawkins stated one of the most frustrating things of being a councilman is that
sometimes it takes meeting after meeting to try to come to a conclusion. He stated he has come
to the conclusion though that Smyrna folks are very conservative and they move slow and he
guessed that in a way that seems frustrating but probably that is good that we don't over react.
He stated that he had personally made a commitment years ago that our employees would be
competitive and he thinks they do a good job for the citizens and they deserve it. He further
stated it is not a handout and they really earn their money. Mr. Hawkins then stated this brings
us pretty close with the pay but even with the pay he is more excited actually and feels it will
be more of a great benefit in November if the city can come out with a good retirement
program so that people can retire before they have to work until they are 65 or 70 and can
retire at a decent living with some decent benefits. He further stated he is excited about this but
is more excited about what's coming in November. Councilman Hawkins stated he will support
the plan and thinks it is good and makes the city very competitive. He further stated we are
awfully close to what Cobb County is paying.
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Councilman Cramer stated the people of Smyrna will win in the long run because we will retain
most of the personnel that have been here in Smyrna. Councilman Cramer stated there are a lot
of great employees that deliver services every single day to this city that people just don't see
and especially this will impact mainly our public safety - those are the most important people
out there that are benefiting and putting their lives on the line. Councilman Cramer stated the
other employees are just as equally important as to delivering services too and this will impact
them down the line. Councilman Cramer stated he has been up here seven years and they have
been frugal and managed the money. He stated it is also his money too because a lot of people
do not realize that he sits in the hot seat too because he pays taxes in the city, pay taxes in the
county and it is his money, not just yours, that he is managing up here and trying to stretch it to
the best dollar we can spend up here. Councilman Cramer stated the city will win in the long
run by retaining these employees and doing this pay study and getting our benefits in order to
help the employees for the longevity. Councilman Cramer stated a lot of people just don't
realize that everybody goes to work during the day and there are long hours in the evening. He
stated we, on council, have spent hours from 6 - 7 p.m. up to midnight many, many nights -
over 100 nights a year that we sit there and it is frustrating like Councilman Hawkins says we
meet and meet and meet. He further stated if you spend 15 - 18 hours a day and then you have
to come and sit down in a meeting it gets frustrating and it just takes a long time for us to get
eight minds together. Councilman Cramer stated the last thing is to thank the staff, Mary Ann
and Howard, for putting this together behind the scenes because that is an important issue for
them and it is an important issue for us and the preparation that it took and all the long years it
has taken for us to make this major impact and it's going to benefit you, me and this whole City
of Smyrna for the longevity.
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Councilman Lnenicka stated he is going to support the proposed plan presented tonight. He
further stated he thinks this is the greatest increase in employee pay that we have ever had in
the City of Smyrna at one time. Councilman Lnenicka stated the proposed pay adjustments are
necessary to stay competitive in the market and we also spent a lot of time talking amongst
ourselves and looking at proposed plans and pay ranges and pay amounts to make sure that we
did the right thing - not so much the competitive thing - that's important but also the right
thing. He further stated the right thing for our employees and the right thing for the people that
pay the fees and taxes that our employees use to get their salary from. Mr. Lnenicka stated he
wanted to stress the fact that our budget can afford to make this change and Howard has
indicated this is almost $400,000. He stated one of the things the city has done over the last
couple of years is talk to our employees about this as we felt it was very, very important to
reduce our insurance expenses and what we thought might be some cases of insurance abuse.
July 20, 1998, meeting - continued
He further stated we projected our insurance costs over several years and the proposed
increases that we were looking at were frightening and they demanded some changes in our
programs and in our contracts that were tough decisions but we made them. He stated we also
told our folks we are not doing this to cut back on benefits to our employees, we're doing this
so that we can take the money that we would save and put that back into pay and benefits for
the hard working, solid, good employees that represent 99% of the people that work for the
City of Smyrna and over the last several years we have had very significant savings. He stated
our current fiscal year FY99 is only three weeks old tonight and yet already in this fiscal year
and if we look at the insurance costs that we had projected versus already the insurance
contracts that we have signed for reduced amounts that amounts to a quarter of a million dollars
in savings and our promise to our employees when we made some of these tough decisions a
couple of years ago was that we were not just going to put that money into something that did
not mean anything to them or to the city, we were going to use that money to reward and retain
the very best employees and Smyrna has the very best employees in any government in Cobb
County. Councilman Lnenicka stated this plan does that and the money that we have saved in
prior years over the last couple of years we sort of banked and earmarked for pay and benefit
improvements where we could do something that would make a difference and so the money
that this pay plan is going to cost the city can adequately fund and adequately afford, in fact, I
would argue that we could not afford not to do this due to the projected turnover and loss of
experienced employees that we could expect to see. Councilman Lnenicka stated this means
that this pay increase, this pay plan, will not require any increase in taxes, we're not going to
be looking to go out and raise business licenses to pay for this. I would argue that our
employees have paid for it themselves through savings in the budget, through saving operating
supplies, operating expenses, taking better care of capital equipment so that it lasts longer, has
fewer repairs, requires fewer repair parts, more productivity, our guys - men and women -
they work as hard or harder than anybody in any government and the folks that see them
around the City of Smyrna know that. Councilman Lnenicka stated this is no giveaway
program, our employees have earned this money and I for one am very proud to be able to vote
tonight to reward them for their efforts. Councilman Lnenicka stated he would also like to say
that this is the begirming not the end, your Honor, and all of us on council have said this. We
continue to look at other things - pay and classification study that we are going to undertake
may result in yet additional pay benefits to certain grades of employees based on what that
study shows. We have also previously commissioned and it has already been mentioned the
retirement study that's been one of the top things our employees have told us amongst our pay
and benefits package what do they think needs improving the most - retirement - and I agree
with that and we afl~ committed to making further changes based on the retirement study, based
on what that study shows and also based on what the city can afford. He stated he expects to
see very significant changes on the positive side in that later on this fiscal year. Councilman
Lnenicka stated also, besides just paying and retirement, there are other benefits that we will
study and look at and we have already made changes in vacation schedules, how fast you earn
vacation. There an~ other things that we perhaps will look at as part of an overall review of all
our pay and benefits programs. Councilman Lnenicka stated the fact that we are doing this for
our classified employees the people in the pay grades does not mean that we are going to forget
our department heads. We have also committed to make adjustments to our department heads,
to reward them for the excellent job that they have done and the leadership that they have
shown and so they also will benefit separate from this pay plan but we will not forget them.
Those are very, very important people to us. Councilman Lnenicka commended the Mayor for
his leadership on this and stated he has very definitely been the Mayor in this process and
saluted him as well as his colleagues on the council. He stated not once in many, many
months, and many, many long nights did their determination to see this thing through and come
up with the right thing to do for our folks ever, ever, ever waiver. He stated we were
committed from the: beginning and this council is to be commended for that. He stated Howard
Smith, Claudia Edgar, Mary Ann White and all of our staff they also deserve our thanks and
commendation; the City Clerk Melinda Dameron, City Attorney Chuck Camp all of these folks
have been involved in this and I thank everyone of them. Mr. Lnenicka stated he will plan to
support this and thanked the council and the Mayor for bringing it before them.
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Councilman Newcomb stated it should be obvious to anybody watching or that are sitting here
tonight that we are very excited at the notion of being able to increase the pay and benefits, the
pay here tonight and the benefits on other issues that we have taken in the last few months and
will take in a few months from now and we do that because as many of the council persons
have said we think that the employees are worth it. He stated the relevance to the constituents
is of course that these good employees provide a high level, high quality level of service to the
constituents, to the citizens of the City of Smyrna. Mr. Newcomb stated it has been a tight
labor market and in the last few months especially in a couple of departments with other local
July 20, 1998, meeting - continued
..
jurisdictions and some nearby counties as well really raised the stakes on us pretty quick by
raising some entry level and the salary schedule in a couple of areas in particular and to keep
the quality of folks that we have here, we realized that we needed to respond pretty quickly.
He further stated the city has been looking at this several months and when you get eight of us
together it is no surprise that on any given night you can have eight different opinions about
how the problem should be attacked but they have managed to listen to each other and when it
got to the point that maybe we were not listening to each other too good, the Mayor said well
it's that hour guys, let's go home for tonight and we would come back to the table again. He
stated he thinks the city has gotten very smart in the way that we have handled this pay
schedule adjustment as we have off and on through the last few years increasingly - that is to
look at the what the labor market requires you to pay in particular job classifications to keep the
good folks here to provide the good services to the good constituents. Mr. Newcomb stated
there have been times when we have been tempted to do just an across the board a certain
percent but that would not take into account that you have to pay some more in some
classifications to take into the reality that that is what the labor market in those classifications
and other opportunities available to these folks have. Councilman Newcomb stated he also
thinks that another positive attribute about this is that there is something in here not just for one
department or two departments but employees in all departments are affected - some obviously
more than others because of the nature of what's going on in the labor market out there and he
is very pleased that the Mayor and council have been committed to when we look at the
competitiveness of our pay versus other jurisdictions to look at how does it compare in every
classification. He then stated he certainly do support this and thinks it is the right thing to do
for the employees because it is the right thing to do for the level of services they provide to
folks. He stated it is a substantial commitment, obviously at $400,000, and he is pleased that
our revenue picture is such that we can do that as Wade said without a tax increase. He then
stated he supports it.
...
Councilwoman Capilouto stated she did not want to make a long speech but has been on this
council for three years and all of the employees really know her feelings towards their salaries,
benefits and any thing that she could do to help the employees. Ms. Capilouto stated she has
always approved of increasing salaries and benefits and anything we can do because she feels
like the employees are the ones running the city from the day-to-day operations. She further
stated they are part-time council members and the mayor is a part-time mayor, we're not
supposed to be here but part-time. She stated they are here more than 40-hours per week at
times but she just wanted to say thank you for everything you have done and stated she gets all
kinds of compliments from the sanitation worker to the receptionist that answers the phone or
just anybody that they come in contact with and again thanked all the employees of the City of
Smyrna.
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Mayor Bacon stated without exception every city that we contacted or most of the ones that he
contacted to ask them about salary information, where there was an adjustment being made in
their city, there was always the question asked "well, are you looking at anyone else other than
public safety?" and just about every time the answer came back "No" we are just addressing
public safety. He then stated the city started out up front saying they were going to look out
after all our employees and that they are all just as important, and we felt that was the fair way
to go about it. He then stated that although the bulk of this money is going toward public safety
there is an amount going to our other employees and a commitment from us that we are going
to keep our salaries competitive. Mayor Bacon then stated that he would say that once this is
adopted, I would say without exception, that the City of Smyrna has one of the best salary
schedules of any city our size anywhere in the metro area. Mayor Bacon stated he feels this is
a commitment that this council has made that we are going to be competitive. He then stated he
knows there are a lot of firefighters that are looking to go to Fulton County and they have an
annual budget of almost $800 million a year - we can't compete with Fulton County - but with
us adopting this schedule tonight it puts us right at their starting salary. Mayor Bacon stated
when you top out as a Fulton County Firefighter II and you top out at a Smyrna Firefighter II
there is about $9,000 difference. He then stated believe it or not, a Firefighter II in Fulton
County can make up to $52,681 a year and that's a lot of money for a firefighter. Top out for
a Smyrna Firefighter II if you never advance past a Firefighter II you will be making $43,000
or can make up to $43,000 a year. He then stated he thinks this is a heck of a commitment and
there are some other salaries in here that he thinks would surprise some folks but we made a
commitment to look after all of our employees from the very get go, from the Laborer I all the
way up the ladder. He expressed his appreciation to Mary Ann White and her staff, Lucena
Ross, Christy DeSautell and Carol Lincoln, for all their hard work this week; also Claudia
Edgar who made sure the city had the monies to cover it. Mayor Bacon stated this salary
adjustment if it is passed tonight will be retroactive to July 1, 1998.
July 20, 1998, meeting - continued
Councilman Lnenicka stated it is an honor to make this motion and noted that he was almost
late arriving tonight because of the thunderstorm that went through and knocked out power in a
lot of areas. He commented he saw the public safety people out on the roads and in one case
there was a tree down on a road and one of the police officers was routing traffic safely around
it and by the time he arrived home and left again for the meeting, the tree was already gone
because Public Works had already removed it. He stated it is this kind of service that makes
him proud to live in Smyrna and to be on this council.
Councilman Lnenicka made a motion to adopt the proposed Pay Schedule Adjustments
contained in the letter dated July 20, 1998, addressed to Mayor Bacon and the Council from
Mary Ann White, with the stipulation that those employees who are on the payroll these
adjustments would be made effective August 1, 1998, retroactive to July 1, 1998, for those
employees who are on the payroll as of August 1, 1998. Councilman Cramer seconded the
motion. Motion was approved 7-0.
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CITIZENS INPUT:
Mayor Bacon recognized Sue Verner, 3342 Creatwood Trail, who asked if this council has ever
discussed or would like to discuss an upper limit to the amount of development that will be
allowed in the city. After a lengthy discussion, Ms. Verner was told the city could not set a
limit to the amount of development that could be allowed in the city.
Mayor Bacon recognized John Ancona, 2799 Fraser Street, who presented a letter to the Mayor
and Council stating his concerns with the issue of speed humps on his street. Mr. Ancona
stated he had met with Councilman Hawkins on Saturday. Councilman Hawkins stated he had
a meeting last Saturday with the residents on Fraser Street to discuss the speed humps. Mr.
Hawkins stated the majority of the people who live on Fraser feel the new speed humps are in
fact less safe than the old ones the city used to install. Mr. Hawkins further stated with the
location of the high school near this neighborhood, the students "ramp" the speed humps and in
some cases become airborne and creates a dangerous situation. Mr. Hawkins stated he would
like to add to the Consent Agenda permission to re-install the two speed humps on Fraser Street
to more coincide with the speed humps on Sanford Road.
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Councilman Hawkins made a motion to suspend the rules for the purpose of adding an item to
the Consent Agenda. Councilman Cramer seconded the motion. Motion to suspend the rules
was approved 7-0.
Councilman Hawkins then made a motion to add to the Consent Agenda Item (I) Approval to
re-install two speed humps on Fraser Street. Councilman Cramer seconded the motion.
Motion was approved 7-0.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
(A) Rezoning Request - 3274 Atlanta Road (4.77 Acres) From N.S., Neighborhood
Shopping, to RAD Conditional
Mr. Smith stated the applicant, Harris Simpson and Chris Weathers, have come before the city
requesting to rezone this property from Neighborhood shopping to RAD Conditional - slightly
less than 5 acres - for a 19-10t subdivision. Mr. Smith stated the applicant's plat calls for
minimum lot size of 7,000 square feet with 15' front yard setback and side yard setback of 5
feet with 15' between houses. He then stated the 19 lots will equate to slightly less than 4 units
per acre and will also necessitate a Land Use Change. Mr. Smith stated this was heard before
the Planning and Zoning Board on June 22 and with a number of stipulations and some
conversation was approved by a 5-0 vote to be submitted to Council. Mayor Bacon stated this
is a public hearing and asked if anyone was present in opposition to this rezoning request.
Mayor Bacon stated there was no opposition.
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Councilman Lnenicka asked Mr. Weathers to explain to the Council what he is requesting and
why. Mr . Weathers, President of BMR Development, Inc., stated he and his partner, Harris
Simpson of Split Rail Corporation, would jointly like to develop this property for a single-
family subdivision. Mr. Weathers stated this property is now and was formerly known as the
Rust Cheese Company owned by the Rust family. He further stated they have contracted to
purchase the property from the Rust family subject to their ability to build this 19-10t
subdivision on the property. Mr. Weathers stated the property is currently zoned neighborhood
July 20, 1998, meeting - continued
shopping and they have finally convinced them to allow them to buy the property for a non-
commercial but for a residential use. Mr. Weathers stated this density is compatible with the
John Wieland Heritage at Vinings subdivision to the north and west of this property. Mr.
Weathers stated the builder for the development will be Highland Homes, who is currently
building in the City of Smyrna and just outside the city in Cobb County. Mr. Weathers further
stated Mr. Monty Hewett, president of Highland Homes, is present tonight and available to
answer questions. Mr. Weathers stated these homes will start in the $300,000's price range
and they have met with the community and neighborhood to discuss the development and the
input from these meetings have been compiled into a list of stipulations for the rezoning.
Councilman Lnenicka asked about the top end of the price range for the proposed development
and Mr. Hewett responded the homes will begin in the low $300,000's and top to mid
$300,000's but due to the market the prices may change and reach into the low $400,000's.
Councilman Lnenicka asked if this is approved when would construction begin and Mr. Hewett
responded they would like to close the property in September and begin construction early in
the Spring - approximately February. Mr. Lnenicka then asked if the only entrance would be
on Atlanta Road across from Campbell Middle School and Mr. Weathers responded that was
correct and the only other point of entry that would be possible to the property would be from
Shawnee Place and they have no designs to create an entrance from Shawnee. Mr. Weathers
stated they actually plan to close the property in August, not September, and hopefully they can
have lots in while the weather is dry and Mr. Hewett could get a good start before the end of
the year and begin to deliver the product the first of next year. Mr. Lnenicka asked Mr.
Hewett to describe the style of the homes. Mr. Hewett stated it has been their experience that
people are looking for homes with some historic significance, some character, some curb
appeal, some mixture of materials, for example, brick and some siding, siding with a front
porch, and the product they developed for this site is of that nature. He stated one of the homes
he displayed could be done in a shake or in a brick and it's quaint, has a small front porch and
has some historical relevance and they are very excited about the development and then
displayed several other types of homes proposed. Mr. Weathers stated in addition to brick or
shake, there will be a lot of stacked stone used in the homes and a lot of options available to the
purchaser.
-
Councilman Lnenicka then read the following list of stipulations for the property.
-
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
..
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
REZONING STIPULA nONS FOR 3274 ATLANTA ROAD
A maximum of 19 lots on the property will be developed in accordance with and
consistent with the subdivision plan submitted with the application. The plan specifies
that:
A.
B.
The minimum lot size shall be 7,000 square feet.
The minimum lot width at the front building setback shall be 60 feet except for
lots numbered 9, 10 and 11 where it shall be at least 40 feet.
Building setbacks shall be as follows:
1. Front: 15 feet
2. Side: 5 feet
3. Rear: 20 feet
4. Side setbacks on lots numbered 1 and 19 next to Atlanta Road shall be
25 feet.
The cul-de-sac shall have a paved radius of 50 feet and a right of way radius of
60 feet.
There will be a mandatory homeowners association with protective covenants on all
lots.
The minimum distance between buildings shall be 15 feet. However, that can be
reduced to 10 feet if both buildings include a building sprinkler system approved by the
City Fire Marshall and the Chief Building Official.
All homes will have a minimum heated floor area of 2,200 square feet.
All homes will have a two car (or larger) garage, and the garage area shall not be used
to calculate the minimum floor space.
The protective covenants will require that all front yards be sodded.
The entire development will have underground utilities.
The development will have decorative streetlights installed subject to approval by the
City Engineer.
Adequate erosion control measures will be constructed before any site grading is
undertaken and will be maintained until permanent ground cover is established.
Adequate storm water detention shall be provided so that the development does not
increase peak flow rates of storm water runoff, as approved by the City Engineer. In
C.
D.
July 20, 1998, meeting - continued
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
particular the creek on the southern boundary will be protected from erosion, flooding
and siltation.
All detention ponds shall be placed and screened appropriately to be unobtrusive to
homes both within and adjacent to the subdivision, as approved by the City Engineer.
They will be designed to retain at least 110% of the peak pre-development water
runoff.
As many trees as possible will be saved.
All homes will have partial (as a minimum) brick or stacked stone front elevations.
The street will be installed to City standards.
The development will be screened from Atlanta Road with a six-foot high barrier that
may be constructed in any combination of berming, fencing, walls and landscaping.
Landscape and entranceway plans will be prepared by a registered Landscape Architect
and will include irrigation and permanent maintenance by the Homeowners Association.
Seasonal flowers to be planted by the developer at the entrance will include the city
flower, the jonquil.
No debris may be buried on any lot.
A minimum of 20 feet of brick or stone pavers will be installed at the entrance to the
subdivision.
The developer will install a 6-foot high cedar fence on the east, west and south
boundaries. The covenants will be modified to require each homeowner to maintain
that portion of the fence on their lot.
The existing chain link fence will be removed from all boundaries.
The developer will work out an agreement with adjacent property owners to remove, at
developer's expense, previously designated trees, especially Mr. Steve Allen at 1784
Shawnee Place and Mr. Edward Cox at 1805 Mackinaw Place.
If the developer does not begin construction within one year from date of closing on the
property, then the entire property will become zoned R-15.
--
Councilman Lnenicka read the above list of stipulations and Mr. Weathers agreed to all the
above stipulations. Mr. Weathers stated in reference to Stipulation 22, that they have to close
on the property and he would not want to damage that seller's property. He further stated they
plan to close and all they have to do is show up at closing and be able to deliver. Mr. Lnenicka
stated that time frame would not begin until they actually closed on the property.
-
Councilman Lnenicka made a motion that the rezoning request at 3274 Atlanta Road to rezone
4.77 acres from N. S., Neighborhood Shopping to RAD Conditional be approved with the
above listed stipulations. Councilman Hawkins seconded the motion. Motion was approved
7-0.
(B) Land Use Change - 3274 Atlanta Road (4.77 Acres) From Neighborhood Activity
Center and Low Density Residential to Medium Density Residential
Councilman Lnenicka made a motion that the land use change at 3274 Atlanta Road be changed
from Neighborhood Activity Center and Low Density Residential to Medium Density
Residential. Councilman Cramer seconded the motion. Motion was approved 7-0.
**Mayor Bacon asked the council to allow items 3-F and 3-G to be heard next on the agenda.
Council so allowed.
(C) Rezoning Request - Reed Road (10.84 Acres) From R-20 to RAD Conditional
Mr. Smith stated this request is for 10.845 acres and the developer, MDC Homes, is annexing
this property into the city and plans to build a minimum house size of 1800 square feet and
priced in the mid $160,000's and will develop 39 lots giving them a 3.6 units per acre density
necessitating a land use change from Public Institutional to Medium Density. Mr. Smith stated
this was heard at the Planning and Zoning Board meeting on June 22, 1998, and with a number
of stipulations was supported by a 5-0 vote. Mayor Bacon stated this is a public hearing and
asked if anyone was present in opposition to the rezoning request. There was opposition and
City Attorney Camp administered the oath to Mr. Henry Ford Evans and the applicant.
--
Councilman Wood recognized Henry Ford Evans, 1171 Reed Road, who stated his property
adjoins the road that is supposed to go into the proposed development. Mr. Evans stated it is
his understanding there will be 39 homes built behind six existing homes. He then stated a 100
feet from his property another 36 homes were begun today and just recently finished building
26 homes across the street from him. Mr. Evans stated there are two schools, four big
July 20, 1998, meeting - continued
churches and they can not even get out of their driveway and now the city is going to allow
traffic from 39 additional homes - one-way, dead-end - into an 18-foot road. He stated he felt
this was nonsense and encouraged the council to drive by the area and look at the proposed site.
Mr. Ford stated he was not opposed to building as he was a retired electrician but is opposed to
the proposed close-together homes being built behind his home and the increased traffic that
will result from the development.
..
Councilman Wood recognized Steve Check and Charita Gray, McCar Development
Corporation/MDC Homes, and asked Mr. Check to briefly describe what they propose for the
property. Mr. Check stated MDC Homes is a local builder and build approximately 300 homes
per year ranging from the mid $100,000's up to $300,000. He further stated they currently
have two active communities in the City of Smyrna and this will be the third. Mr. Check stated
they are requesting the rezoning, land use change and annexation of approximately 10.8 acres
located on Reed Road just east of King Springs Road. He stated they are requesting rezoning
from R-20 to RAD Conditional and the proposal consists of 39 lots. Mr. Check stated the
surrounding land use of the property is to the east - Smyrna Assembly of God; to the north is
Griffin Middle School; to the west is King Springs Elementary School; and to the south are
eight single-family lots zoned R-20. He further stated access to the property will come off
Reed Road and there will be 39 lots with the lot sizes ranging from 7,000 square foot minimum
up to 15,000 square feet with an average of 9,500 square feet. He further stated the
topography of the property slopes gently towards the north where they will have a detention
facility located abutting against the Griffin Middle School property and it will be designed to
reduce peak flow water rates; sewer and water is available to the property and they have a
sewer easement worked out with the Smyrna Assembly of God. He then stated city water is
available approximately 400 feet from the property and the subdivision will have underground
utilities. Mr. Check stated currently MDC will be the exclusive builder of the property and the
subdivision will have a mandatory homeowner's association; feature one and two-story
traditional and European style homes starting at a minimum of 1,800 square feet and ranging up
to 2,500 square feet. Mr. Check stated each home will feature two-car garages and they are
proposing that a minimum of 50% of the homes have a brick detailed fac;:ade and prices will
start in the mid $160,000's and range up to $200,000 for a basement. Mr. Check stated when
they began the planning process Councilman Wood and Mr. Howard Smith suggested they meet
with some of the surrounding property owners and they did so and made some concessions as a
result of that meeting. He stated the homeowners had two major concerns - the amount of
trees to be removed and the cut-through traffic of the children crossing the property for the two
schools. Mr. Check stated they have agreed to implement a 20-foot planted buffer at the back
of each yard and in addition to that have agreed to install a fence at each of the boundaries
(north, south, east and west), and also to install sidewalks on one side.
-
--
Councilman Wood asked Mr. Check if he had contacted anyone at the church and if so did he
meet with anyone from the church. Mr. Check stated they had met with Pastor Fennell and one
of his concerns was that when they built the church, they cut into the hillside and did some
grading and was concerned that someone who would abut up against that property would
potentially fall down that slope and they have agreed to install a fence on the property line to
eliminate that risk and Pastor Fennell is in support of the project. Mr. Check stated they
notified the adjacent property owners of the meeting held at the Community Center, comprised
of about eight property owners. Councilman Wood asked Mr. Check if all the utilities will be
underground and Mr. Check responded they would; Mr. Wood asked if all side yards will be
sodded and Mr. Check stated the front yards will be sodded; the rear will be seeded and they
have not decided yet on how the side yards will be treated. He did state they try to eliminate
erosion and sometimes sod the side yards but that has not been decided yet. Mr. Wood asked
Mr. Check if he would be amenable to that and Mr. Check responded he would. Mr. Wood
then asked Mr. Check about the entry monument and Mr. Check responded there is a narrow
50-foot right of way that leads to the property and it does not allow a lot of room along Reed
Road for any type of entrance monument unless they could work something out with the city to
place it inside the right of way. He did state they plan on an entrance feature that will probably
include some type of flared wall, material to be made up of stone or stacked stone with a
lighted sign on it. Mr. Wood asked Mr. Check if he would be amenable to the streetlights
within the development being decorative. Mr. Check responded they prefer them to be
decorative, and they will be fiberglass poles with colonial type lighting if it is available and
stated there would be no wood poles in the subdivision. Mr. Wood stated that as long as they
are approved by the City Engineer that would be acceptable. Mr. Wood asked Mr. Check
about ingress/egress to the subdivision. Mr. Check responded if they can install an accel/decel
lane they will but there is only a narrow 50-foot right of way that they don't want to take any
property from the adjoining properties to do that. He further stated he felt a decellane would
July 20, 1998, meeting - continued
be appropriate for the 39 lots but an accellane going in the opposite direction from King
Springs Road probably would not be necessary. Mr. Wood stated the city would require that
the developers comply with the City Engineer's requirements pertaining to road access and
sight distance so it would be a safe situation for everybody, both those using that roadway and
those using Reed Road. Councilman Wood asked about sidewalks in the development and Mr.
Check responded they will install sidewalks on one side to provide pedestrian walkways and
will make that a condition of the zoning if the city so desires.
Councilman Cramer asked about the water runoff from the property since the topography
slopes. Mr. Check responded the affected property owners will be the school and they have
done the hydrology study. He stated there are no wetlands nor floodplains on the property and
the design work for the detention facility will cut back the rate of water that leaves the property
so that the discharge will be less when they are complete. Mr. Check stated he would work
with the city to reduce the water flow to 110%.
--
Councilman Newcomb asked about the style of the homes and the brick or stucco front fa~ade
detailing and asked about the term "detailing." Mr. Check responded "detailing" refers to the
gable (as indicated on a drawing) would be made brick and the rest would be siding on the front
and on the sides and rear (the other three sides will be made of hardy plank, which is a
masonry type material that looks like wood). Councilman Newcomb asked who will maintain
the privacy fence and Mr. Check responded that will be the requirement of the homeowner's
association and will be the responsibility of the property owner to maintain but if they fail to do
that there will be a perpetual easement provided through the homeowner documents that will
allow the association to go in there, paint it and fix it up if it needs it. Mr. Newcomb then
asked about the 20-foot buffer and if that will be sections in people's back yards or is that going
to be some type continuous buffer around the side. Mr. Check indicated on the site plan that it
is a continuous buffer and is included in the backyard. Mr. Check further responded that it is
included in the rear yard setback which is 20 feet all the way around the property and that will
be the buffer.
Councilman Lnenicka asked Mr. Check if MDC Homes would be willing to design the entrance
to the development in accordance with the specifications and requirements of the City Engineer.
Mr. Check responded yes, if they can provide within that right of way for a decellane, they
will definitely put in a decellane. Mr. Check stated he wanted to be careful about encroaching
into someone else's property with providing that.
--
Councilman Wood made a motion that the request of McCar Development Corporation to
rezone approximately 10.845 acres on Reed Road just west of King Springs Road, Land Lot
479, 2nd Section, 17m District be rezoned from R-20 (Residential) to RAD Conditional, Single-
family Residential with the following conditions.
1. There will be a maximum of 39 single-family homes
2. Each home will have traditional or European design with brick or stucco front
fa~ade detailing
3. Each home to have a minimum of 1,800 square feet of heated space
4. Minimum house price to start in the mid $160,000's
5. Minimum setbacks:
1. Front - 20 Feet
2. Rear - 20 Feet
3. Side - 5 Feet (15' minimum between structures)
4. Side and Corner - 15 Feet
6. A 20' planted buffer to be maintained along the rear yard setbacks
7. A 6' wood privacy fence will be installed on the subject property adjacent to the
Smyrna Assembly of God Church
8. There will be a mandatory homeowners association
9. All homes will have enclosed two-car garages
10. All utilities shall be underground
11. All front and side yards shall be sodded by the builder
12. Entry monument signs will be stone or masonry and will be landscaped and
approved by the City Engineer
13. Streetlights within the development will be decorative as approved by the City
Engineer
14. The developer will comply with requirements of the Smyrna City Engineer
regarding road access and sight distance
15. Developer will provide sidewalks in the interior of the development on one side
--
July 20, 1998, meeting - continued
16. The requirements of the City Engineer with respect to water retention will be
required of the developer as well as all the erosion control measures as required by
the city and the State on all developments over 5 acres
..
Councilman Lnenicka seconded the motion to approve the rezoning with the above listed
stipulations. Councilman Newcomb asked about the south side, for example lots 33 or 34,
there will be a 20-foot undisturbed or planted buffer, and then the rear of the building will be
20 feet off of that buffer for a total of 40 feet. Mr. Check responded no, there is a 20-foot rear
yard setback off the property line. Mr. Newcomb asked how that will remain undisturbed or
planted over the years and wouldn't that be dependent upon that being a covenant? Mr. Check
stated they will provide in the covenants, but not restrict the homeowners from cutting out
briars and what have you, but they will restricted as to what they can cut down. Councilman
Wood stated what is required is a 20-foot planted buffer, not necessarily undisturbed. Mr.
Check stated if they put the house as far toward the front property line there will be enough
room from the back of the house to the beginning of the buffer to allow a back yard. Motion
was approved 7-0.
(D) Land Use Change - Reed Road (10.84 Acres) From Public Institutional to Medium
Density Residential
Mayor Bacon stated this is a public hearing and asked if anyone was present in opposition to the
proposed land use change. There was no opposition.
Councilman Wood made a motion that the land use change for Reed Road (10.84 acres) from
Public Institutional to Medium Density Residential be approved. Councilman Cramer seconded
the motion. Motion was approved 7-0.
(E) Annexation of Property - North Side of Reed Road (10.845 Acres) - Land Lot 479,
17m District, 2nd Section, Cobb County, Georgia
Mayor Bacon stated this is a public hearing and asked if anyone was present in opposition to the
annexation of this property. There was no opposition.
--.
Councilman Wood stated the petition to annex this property was validated on June 15 and this is
the public hearing date that was set at that time. Councilman Wood made a motion that the
application of McCar Development, Inc.lMDC Homes, approximately 10.845 acres, Land Lot
479, north side of Reed Road, be approved and become part of Ward 7 effective August 1,
1998. Councilman Lnenicka seconded the motion. Motion was approved 7-0.
(F) Variance Request - 2475 Spring Road - Reduce Side Yard Setback from 35 Feet to 25
Feet
Mr. Smith stated he would discuss both Items 3-F and 3-G at one time as they are related. He
then stated the variance request at 2475 Spring Road is to reduce the side yard setback from 35
feet to 25 feet is being requested by the owners to add a new stairway as part of a very
comprehensive and extensive remodeling of what was formerly the Chateaux DeVille
apartments and is now known as Galleria Courtyard Apartments. Mayor Bacon stated this is a
public hearing and asked if anyone was present in opposition to either of the variance requests.
There was no opposition.
--
Councilwoman Capilouto asked Kevin Kennedy, representing the owner of the property - EEA
DeVille, LLC - who stated they have undertaken a significant renovation of the property
approximately six months ago and part of the renovation calls for the replacement of the
existing stairwells which provide access to the units. He stated by requesting this variance they
plan to construct stairwells that will project away from the buildings much like what they have
done on the east side of the property. Mr. Kennedy further stated it is purely an aesthetic issue
and they believe it will add beauty to the property. Mr. Kennedy then stated they are not
impacting any residential properties adjacent to the apartment complex and will strictly be
toward the south side impacting Spring Road to the west side would be the park and one
commercial property.
Councilwoman Capilouto recognized Ginger Gable, regional property manager of Lane
Company, who stated they are very excited about this endeavor and feels it will enhance the
look of the property and will benefit Spring Road. Councilwoman Capilouto recognized Tony
Kennedy, Lane Company and construction manager of the project, who stated he is there to
July 20, 1998, meeting - continued
beautify the property and do the best they can. Ms. Capilouto asked Mr. Kennedy to present a
drawing of the plans to the council for their review. He then stated that drawing # 1 would be
the type stairwell they plan to construct closest to Spring Road - stairwell with platform that
leads to two sets of stairs coming to the platform. Ms. Capilouto asked about the landscaping
on the project. Mr. Kennedy stated they plan to add landscaped islands to the parking areas
and still conform to the necessary number of parking spaces. Councilman Hawkins asked if
they are requesting a setback variance closest to Spring Road. Mr. Kennedy stated they are
actually talking about four stairwells - all of them are along the west side of the building -
towards the park side and none of them face Spring Road. He further stated the right of way of
Spring Road was actually increased after the buildings were constructed and so in fact the
existing building is within the setback along Spring Road currently. He then stated in order to
replace the southernmost stairwell they affect the setback along the front of the property as well
as the western side. Mayor Bacon stated anyone who has not seen Chateaux DeVille would be
surprised at the quality job that is being done and the tremendous difference they are making in
that area.
-
Councilwoman Capilouto made a motion that the variance request at 2475 Spring Road -
Galleria Courtyard - to reduce the side yard setback from 35 feet to 25 feet be approved.
Councilman Hawkins seconded the motion. Motion was approved 7-0.
(G) Variance Request - 2475 Spring Road - Reduce Front Yard Setback from 75 Feet to 65
Feet
See narrative above. Councilwoman Capilouto made a motion that the variance request at 2475
Spring Road - Galleria Courtyard - to reduce the front yard setback from 75 feet to 65 feet be
approved. Councilman Hawkins seconded the motion. Motion was approved 7-0.
(H) Amendment to Urban Design Overlays
Mr. Smith stated the Urban Design Overlays created by the City of Smyrna started with Spring
and Atlanta Road and have expanded to include three other corridors and is becoming confusing
for those who are trying to comply with our standards. Mr. Smith stated Councilman Hawkins
requested that his committee, staff and the city's planning consultant review this issue and place
these into a consistent format that would make it easier for developers as well as staff and
council to understand. Mr. Smith stated this is the second reading of the proposed amendment.
He stated there were originally five separate books dealing with this for development standards
and they have been compiled into one book as an Urban Design Corridor Standards. Mayor
Bacon stated this is a public hearing and asked if anyone present would like to make any
comments. There were no comments.
~
Councilman Hawkins stated the Community Development Committee looked at the design
standards for signage, outside fa9ade of buildings and landscaping on certain major corridor
roads throughout the City of Smyrna - South Atlanta Road, Spring Road, Windy Hill Road,
South Cobb Drive and Concord Road. He stated this document seeks to combine the standards
into one single document. Councilman Hawkins stated the document is available at City Hall.
Councilman Hawkins made a motion that the city adopt the new Corridor Design Overlay
Standards. Councilman Lnenicka seconded the motion. Councilman Newcomb commended
Councilman Hawkins and his committee for consolidating the documents. Councilman
Lnenicka stated he supports the motion as it does require more kinds of things that our citizens
are asking for - landscape buffers, more attractive signage, less obnoxious signage, the use of
indirect lighting, pleasing colors, etc. Motion was approved 7-0.
(I) Amend Section 901(i) of Zoning Ordinance - Lighting Requirements
Mayor Bacon stated this is a public hearing and asked if anyone was present who wished to
comment on this issue. There were no comments.
...,
Councilman Hawkins stated this is the second reading of the proposed ordinance amendment.
Mr. Hawkins stated this basically deals with lighting in commercial parking lots and sets a
minimum standard of 2.0-foot candles and applies to new commercial parking lots.
Councilman Hawkins made a motion that the amended Section 901(i) - Lighting Requirements
- be approved. Councilman Wood seconded the motion. Motion was approved 7-0.
The new section will read as follows:
July 20, 1998, meeting - continued
All new commercial parking lots shall provide adequate lighting for security of pedestrians.
Said lighting shall have a minimum of 2.0-foot candles, and a uniformity ratio of at least 5: 1.
This subsection shall become effective immediately for all new commercial construction.
Lighting at the edge of parking lots shall be directed away from residents to prevent glare. The
chief building official shall enforce the requirements of this subsection.
(1) Annexation of Property - Cooper Lake Road (1.08 Acres) - Land Lot 319, 17th District, 2nd
Section, Cobb County, Georgia
--
Mr. Smith stated the petition for annexation was validated on July 6, 1998, and advertised for a
public hearing and if the property is annexed tonight will become a part of Ward 7 effective
August 1, 1998. Mayor Bacon stated this is a public hearing and asked if anyone was present
in opposition to the annexation of this property. City Attorney Chuck Camp administered the
oath to those persons wishing to comment.
Mayor Bacon recognized Ann Winters, 5160 Civitania Road, representing neighbors in
Civitania Woods, along Cooper Lake Road, Stoneybrook Subdivision, Summer Place and
Vinings Estates. Ms. Winters read a letter in opposition to the annexation. Ms. Winters then
questioned the contiguity of the property and the legal advertisement pertaining to the
annexation.
Councilman Wood then read a letter from Keith Schamis, dated July 19, 1998, Chairperson
Vinings Estates Advisory Board.
Councilman Wood asked City Attorney Chuck Camp if there is any legal reason why the city
should not proceed with the annexation of the property. Mr. Camp responded there was no
reason not to proceed with the annexation. Councilman Wood made a motion that the Cooper
Lake Road property (1.08 acre tract) located in Land Lot 319, 17th District, rd Section, Cobb
County, Georgia, Civitania Road, be approved for annexation into the city and become a part
of Ward 7, effective August 1, 1998. Councilman Hawkins seconded the motion. Motion was
approved 7-0.
FORMAL BUSINESS:
--
(A) Approval to Increase Sanitation Rates - $.50 per Household
Councilman Hawkins stated in the bid award section of tonight's agenda, is the bid award for
recycling services. He further stated the lowest bid received is still an increase over what the
city has been paying and the city has already absorbed one increase on the recycling cost. He
stated by having this rate increase under formal business the increase is going ahead of the bid
award for this service. Councilman Hawkins stated in order to stay even with the board and
make up for absorbing the last increase and not passing it along, the Public Works Committee
is recommending that residential garbage rates increase to $16.50 per month except for the
senior citizen rate which will go to $14.50 per month. Councilman Hawkins made a motion to
increase the residential garbage rates by $.50 per household. Councilman Scoggins seconded
the motion. Motion was approved 7-0.
COMMERCIAL BUILDING PERMITS:
There were none.
BID AWARDS:
(A) Bid Award (Bid #98041) - Outfall - West Cooper Lake Pumping Station
--
Councilman Hawkins made a motion to award the bid for the Outfall - West cooper Lake
Pumping Station to D & H Construction, low bidder meeting specifications, for a total price of
$265,794. Councilman Lnenicka seconded the motion. Motion was approved 7-0.
(B) Bid Award (Bid #98043) - Concrete Construction - Public Works Department
Councilman Hawkins stated twelve bids were solicited with one response - Braswell Concrete
Company. Councilman Hawkins made a motion to award the concrete construction bid to
July 20, 1998, meeting - continued
Braswell Concrete for the Public Works concrete work. Councilman Scoggins seconded the
motion. Motion was approved 6-0 (Mr. Newcomb was absent when the vote was taken).
(C) Bid Award (Bid #98044) - Replacement of Approximately 1450 L.F. of Water Main on
Church Street
Councilman Hawkins stated six bids were solicited and three responses were received.
Councilman Hawkins stated the Public Works Committee recommends the bid be awarded to
the low bidder meeting specifications, Ralph Ardito Ditching and Pipeline, for $38,000 and so
moved. Motion was seconded by Councilman Scoggins. Motion was approved 6-0 ( Mr.
Newcomb was absent when the vote was taken).
(D)
Bid Award (Bid #98045) - Relocation of Water Main - Vinings Forest Condominiums
...,
Councilman Hawkins stated six bids were solicited and three responses were received.
Councilman Hawkins stated the Public Works Committee recommends the bid be awarded to
the low bidder meeting specifications, Ralph Ardito Ditching and Pipeline, for $14,500 and so
moved. Councilman Lnenicka seconded the motion. Motion was approved 7-0.
(E) Bid Award (Bid #98046) - Relocation of Water Main on Daniel Drive Between King
Springs Road and Dunn Street
Councilman Hawkins stated six bids were solicited and three responses were received.
Councilman Hawkins stated the Public Works Committee recommends the bid be awarded to
the low bidder meeting specifications, Ralph Ardito Ditching and Pipeline, for $23,450 and so
moved. Councilman Wood seconded the motion. Motion was approved 7-0.
(F) Bid Award (Bid #98047) - Residential Curbside Recycling
Councilman Hawkins stated the city solicited bids from five vendors for the recycling program
and two responses were received. Mr. Hawkins stated the city was hopeful the city could
remain at the same price but that is not possible. Councilman Hawkins made a motion to award
the bid to BPI, the low bidder meeting specifications, for residential curbside recycling at a cost
of $2.30 per household. He further stated this increased price necessitated the increase in
residential sanitation rates. Councilman Scoggins seconded the motion. Motion was approved
7-0.
.....
CONSENT AGENDA:
(A) Approval of July 6, 1998, Minutes
(B) Approval to Install "No Parking Zones" in CuI de Sacs of Arden Way, Highland Drive
and Beech Valley Drive
(C) Approval of GMA Energy Management Services Program and Authorize Mayor to
Sign Documents
(D) Approval to Request Bids - Leaf Vacuum and Chassis for Public Works Department
(E) Approval to Request Bids - Unit Pricing of Sole or Dual Contractors to Perform
Water, Sewer Replacements and Installations - Public Works Department
(F) Approval to Request Bids - Sewer Main Replacement and Engineering Services with
Welker and Associates of Approximately 500' of Sanitary Sewer on Lake Drive
(G) Approval to Solicit RFP's for Comprehensive Classification and Pay Study - Human
Resources Department
(H) Approve Agreement Between Cobb County and the City of Smyrna - 800 MHZ Radio
System
(I) ** Approval to Re-install the Two Speed Humps on Fraser Street to Coincide with the
Speed Humps that are presently on Sanford Place
Councilman Lnenicka made a motion to remove Item (H) from the Consent Agenda in order to
allow the council to vote on that item separately. Councilman Lnenicka made a motion to
approved Items (A), (B), (C), (D), (E), (F), (G) and (I) of the consent agenda. Councilman
Cramer seconded the motion. Motion was approved 7-0.
...,
Councilman Lnenicka stated Item (H) - Approve Agreement between Cobb County and the
City of Smyrna - 800 MHZ Radio System - was placed on the agenda at the recommendation
of the Public Safety Department. He stated the actual contract document was presented to the
council on Friday and based on the language in the contract document he feels it should be re-
July 20, 1998, meeting - continued
negotiated as he feels it is unfair to the City of Smyrna. Councilman Newcomb made a motion
to table item 7-H until such time as the Mayor and Council shall put it back on the agenda.
Councilman Cramer seconded the motion. Motion was approved 7-0.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
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Councilman Wood asked Mary Ann White for a report from the Human Resources Department.
Ms. White thanked the Mayor and Council for the approved compensation package this evening
and the approval for the comprehensive classification and pay study. Ms. White also thanked
the Mayor and Council for the work being done on the retirement plan as well. Ms. White
stated the Human Resources Department has been meeting with members of The Segal
Company, who is conducting the retirement plan study, and reported the study is well under
way. Ms. White stated her department will be sending out notifications to the employees, in
the next couple of weeks, regarding these changes in their pay grades and their rates of pay so
everyone will be aware of exactly what they will be receiving due to the changes. Ms. White
stated they have received the test scores from the recent Police and Fire candidates and reported
40 individuals passed the Fire Exam and 32 individuals passed the Police Exam. She stated her
department will be setting up panel interviews over the next couple of weeks.
Mayor Bacon thanked Ms. White for all the long hours she has put in recently on the pay issue.
Councilman Lnenicka stated there is no report from Claudia Edgar, Finance Director.
Councilman Cramer stated there was no report from his committee this evening.
..
Councilman Hawkins asked Ann Kirk for a report on Keep Smyrna Beautiful. Ms. Kirk asked
the citizens to have their yard waste out on Wednesdays before 7:00 a.m. since the trucks begin
running at that time and do not have the manpower to run twice in the neighborhoods. Ms.
Kirk also asked that the yard waste not be put out until Wednesday. Ms. Kirk reported on the
fiscal year end statistics: Curbside recycling program - 75.5% participation and the city
increased from 1200 tons to 1300 tons saving the city $39,494 in tipping fees. Mayor Bacon
stated his appointee to the Keep Smyrna Beautiful Commission - Ms. Joan Harding - has
notified him she is moving out of Smyrna. Ms. Kirk thanked all the volunteers who
participated in the Adopt-a-Mile Program this past Saturday.
Councilman Scoggins asked Maryclaire Andres for a report on Community Relations. Ms.
Andres reported the recent summer concert was a huge success and thanked all the persons who
helped her make it such a memorable event. Ms. Andres announced the 126th birthday
celebration is planned for August 1. Ms. Andres reported on August 14 Howell Drive from
11 :00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. will be closed for the filming of a national film for public education
dealing with the topic - drinking and driving.
Councilman Scoggins asked Mike Seigler for a Library report. Mr. Seigler stated there are
three displays in the Library: Mike Marsh who has a dual display of his collection of
lighthouses and his lighthouse artwork; Councilman Wood has a joint display in the main
display case downstairs of historical stamps and medallions that emphasize the presidents; Ms.
Helen Weil has a display of hand-painted cat paperweights. Mr. Seigler reported on the
Princess and the Pea program with the summer reading club.
..
Councilman Newcomb asked Chief Williams for a report from the Fire Department. Chief
Williams presented the city with a check for $112,000 from FEMA, from the State of Georgia
through the Georgia Emergency Management Agency and the Federal Emergency Management
Agency to reimburse the city for efforts and damages that were done in October, 1995, by
Hurricane Opal. City Administrator Howard Smith asked Chief Williams to identify the two
staff people who worked so hard on this issue and really stayed on it for a very long time.
Chief Williams stated Cynthia Taylor, Fire Department, and Brenda Barrett, Water
Department, put a lot of effort into it. He further stated they were recognized a couple of
months ago as "STAR Employees of the Month" and it was at that point the city knew we
would receive this money. Chief Williams stated they had to go back and obtain the
information on the hours each employee worked and the hourly rates and the reimbursement is
actually the city's actual cost.
Councilman Newcomb stated Melinda Dameron, Court Services, and Mike Brown, Police
Department have no report this evening.
July 20, 1998, meeting - continued
Mr. Smith thanked Lt. Brown for attending the meeting this evening and for the job he is doing
in the Police Department. Mr. Smith further stated Mike has done a great job since assuming
his new position and he has enjoyed working with him.
Mr. Smith announced the Urban Land Institute meeting scheduled for Thursday, July 23, at the
Community Center from 7:30 - 9:00 a.m.
Mayor Bacon reminded the citizens to vote in the primary tomorrow.
ADJOURNMENT
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A. MAX BACON , MAYOR MELINDA DAMERON, CITY CLERK
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CHARLENE CAPILO
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RON NEWCOMB, WARD 2
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WADE S. LNEN CKA, WARD 6
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CHARLES PETE WOOD, WARD 7
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